Introduction

Communication Systems: While traditional voice communications continue to provide a principal element of aviation communications, other forms of communication, such as digital data transfer, are becoming increasingly prevalent in supporting navigation, surveillance and tactical operations. The ICAO Manual on Required Communication Performance highlights the need for communications to be capable of operating in high density airspace using a mixture of traditional voice and data link communications. A number of communication systems are also mandatory for flight in specified civil airspace, particularly to satisfy performance based navigation.

Navigation Systems: Defence aircraft operate in a global airspace environment that includes civil airspace that is subject to prescribed access criteria. This airspace is a shared resource and, to maintain airspace limitations such as separation minima, civil airworthiness authorities prescribe minimum performance requirements for aircraft navigation systems. While International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules for civil aviation are not applicable to State registered aircraft, it is becoming increasingly difficult for civil air traffic authorities to cater for Defence aircraft if they are not capable of similar navigation performance to civil aircraft. This may result in Defence aircraft being subjected to civil airspace restrictions, for example sub-optimal altitudes and routing and, in some instances, exclusion from certain airspace (despite the ICAO exemption). Some civil operations, such as operations under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), require compliance with specific airworthiness requirements for aircraft equipment and/or operations. Where Defence aircraft require unimpeded access to civil airspace subject to IFR, PBN or RVSM requirements, the Defence aircraft must satisfy an equivalent level of safety to civil aircraft operating in the airspace to avoid posing a risk to other airspace users. Further, Defence operations under the same conditions as these civil operations, whether in designated airspace or not, should endeavour to satisfy the same (or substantially similar) requirements to afford a level of safety for Defence aircraft crew and passengers commensurate with these type of operations.

Surveillance and Avoidance Systems: Surveillance systems contribute to aircraft safe separation and support the provision of safe and effective air traffic control services. Aircraft avoidance systems provide warnings and alerts to aircrew of impending hazards associated with proximity to other air traffic or terrain. While Defence aircraft without surveillance and avoidance systems would not normally be precluded from operations in civil airspace, sub-optimal routes and timings may be imposed. Therefore, fitment of surveillance and avoidance systems in Defence aircraft is, ultimately, a capability and safety decision for the capability manager. When operating in civil airspace, Defence aircraft may present a hazard to civil aircraft if the Defence aircraft do not provide the same surveillance and avoidance systems capabilities as those required by civil NAAs for civil aircraft operations.

What We Do

DASA performs the following roles for communications, navigation, surveillance and avoidance systems:

How Do I Apply?

Application for a Navigation Specific Approval is via DASR Form 1307.  The Form 1307 should be submitted to DASA DAVNOPS via email: dasa.davnops.operationalreviews@defence.gov.au

I Want To Learn More…

If you want to learn more about Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Avoidance Systems, please consult the following resources:

Advisory Circulars and Factsheets

DASR Forms

Support

If you have questions about this topic please contact DASA DTS Enquiries.

For DASR queries please submit a DASR Query Form (DQF) Form 110